Kobe Bryant, left, and LeBron James have become the center of the All-Star Game. / Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

The NBA All-Star Game tips off tonight at about 8 p.m. ET on TNT, in what half the world seems to think is a mere formality in the celebration of Michael Jordan's 50th birthday.

But there's a game to be played, and if you believe some of the people involved, that game does matter. With that in mind, we break down five things to watch:

1. LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant.

The scrutiny came down on the game's two most popular - and, perhaps, polarizing - players when Michael Jordan said he would rather have Bryant than James. Neither player put much stock in those comments, with Bryant saying he understand the point about his five championships to James' one and James saying he thinks the argument is shallow. James will start at point guard for an oversized Eastern Conference lineup, and Bryant seems most likely to draw his assignment.

2. Kyrie Irving vs. Chris Paul.

Irving won't start, but he probably is the best true point guard on the East roster. Paul is the best in the NBA. This weekend, though, has belonged to Irving, who had a phenomenal showing in the rookie-sophomore game Friday and won the three-point shootout Saturday. He's the best ball-handler in the NBA and an incredible natural scorer. Paul is the crafty veteran now, an amazing passer who thrives in these situations and can embarrass opponents with his quick hands on defense. Irving seems ready to become the best point guard in the NBA, but Paul doesn't seem willing to give up his spot.

3. Kevin Garnett vs. Carmelo Anthony.

The East starters say their feud from earlier this season is a thing of the past, but that will be tested when they play together. Anthony isn't one to pass often anyway, but will he and Garnett have any chemistry? They were joking around a bit Saturday in practice, messing with colorful TNT and NBATV reporter Craig Sager. Keep in mind, if the season were to end today, Anthony's New York Knicks would face Garnett's Boston Celtics in the first round. We're not expecting any trouble, but keep an eye out for it.

4. Russell Westbrook vs. passing.

Westbrook is the most explosive point guard in the NBA, a true rival for Irving, Paul and Tony Parker at the top of the best point guards list. But he already is criticized often for taking too many shots - and not finding Kevin Durant enough - with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook is a brilliant young player with charisma and savvy, and he should know this game could give him a chance to shake his reputation by playing pass-first basketball all night. Or it could give him a chance to try to silence the critics with a big scoring showcase.

5. East centers vs. new positions.

The East roster features five players who start for their teams at center. That doesn't work here. Expect Garnett, Chris Bosh, Brook Lopez, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah to be asked to show their versatility against a smaller Western Conference lineup. We can only hope East coach Erik Spoelstra opens things up enough to let Noah showcase his point-center skills, which he takes great pride in and helped him earn a spot on the All-Star team.

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